The march of Harry Potter continues with what has to be one of the largest expansions for the franchise yet with the announcement and details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter that is set to launch in the spring of 2010.
Working closely with J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. theme park giant Universal Orlando Resort is looking to provide visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience that will include
At the entrance of Hogsmeade, billowing steam and an iconic whistle signal the arrival of the Hogwarts Express into Hogsmeade station
Across the way is Zonko’s , a joke shop with a collection of tricks and jokes, including Extendable Ears, Boxing Telescopes and Sneakoscopes
Honeydukes is next door and full of treats like Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans
The Three Broomsticks and adjacent Hog’s Head pub will feature traditional British fare and drinks including Butterbeer and pumpkin juice
Across from the Three Broomsticks is The Owlery , where owls roost and await their next delivery
The Owl Post sends letters with a certified Hogsmeade postmark and sells official stamps from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Ollivanders wand shop is an incredible interactive experience where the wand chooses the wizard
Completing Hogsmeade is Dervish and Banges , the magical instruments and equipment shop featuring Quidditch equipment, Triwizard apparel, Spectrespecs and Remembralls
The first attraction, Dragon Challenge , features a twin high-speed roller coaster with many iconic elements from the Triwizard Tournament
Next is Flight of the Hippogriff , a family coaster simulating a Hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts castle
Located in Hogwarts castle, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a thrilling new state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced
Before exiting back into Hogsmeade, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods isfull ofMinistry of Magic and magical creatures merchandise, Omnioculars, and even remote control Golden Snitches
From the press release
“All of the action and adventures of Harry Potter’s world will come to life here at Universal Orlando Resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO, Universal Parks and Resorts. “ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be unlike any other experience on earth and we can’t wait to see the looks on our guests’ faces as they enter this rich environment.”
Here are some of the artist rendering of this new addition to the theme park
Dervish Banges
Flight of the Hippogriff
Hog’s Head
Hogsmeade
Honeydukes
Ollivanders
The Three Broomsticks
hat tip to My Modern Metropolis